Child and Teen Therapy in Matthews, NC | Anxiety, Emotional Regulation, and Parent Support
Many parents begin to notice that something is not quite right long before they reach out for help. You may see your child becoming more anxious, withdrawn, irritable, or overwhelmed. You may find yourself constantly reassuring, negotiating, or adjusting routines just to keep the peace. Over time, this can leave both parents and children feeling exhausted, discouraged, and unsure what to do next.
At A Keen Mind, we help families move from fear and frustration toward confidence, resilience, and calm. We focus not only on your child’s symptoms, but also on strengthening the family system so meaningful and lasting change can happen at home.
We serve families in Matthews, Charlotte, Mint Hill, Weddington, Indian Trail, and surrounding communities.
A Whole Family Approach That Creates Lasting Change
Children often express distress through behavior. Anxiety may look like avoidance. Sadness may show up as irritability. Overwhelm can appear as shutdown, emotional outbursts, or resistance.
We take time to understand what is happening beneath the surface so your child can feel safe, confident, and supported. Parents are actively involved because real change happens in everyday life, not only in the therapy room.
We work with children and adolescents from approximately ages 5 through 18.
Who We Help
We support children and families facing a wide range of emotional and behavioral challenges. Many parents come to us after trying multiple strategies and still feeling stuck. Our goal is to help your child feel more secure, confident, and capable of handling life’s challenges.
We commonly help with:
• Anxiety, excessive worry, and fears
• Depression, low self confidence, and withdrawal
• Emotional outbursts, frustration, and irritability
• Self harming behaviors
• School stress, avoidance, and performance pressure
• Bullying and peer challenges
• Trauma, grief, and loss
• Family conflict, separation, and life transitions
SPACE Treatment for Childhood Anxiety and OCD
We offer SPACE, which stands for Supporting Parents of Anxious Childhood Emotions. This research supported, parent based approach helps reduce anxiety and OCD by strengthening the parent’s role as a calm and confident leader.
Instead of focusing only on the child, SPACE works directly with parents to shift patterns that may unintentionally reinforce anxiety. This can be especially helpful if your child is resistant to therapy or if anxiety has begun to affect daily routines.
Through SPACE, parents learn how to:
• Reduce accommodation of anxiety
• Communicate with clarity and compassion
• Set supportive and confident limits
• Help children build resilience and independence
Many parents tell us this is the first time they feel they have a clear plan. Instead of reacting to anxiety, they begin to feel calm, confident, and grounded in their parenting. This shift often leads to meaningful change not only in their child, but in the entire family.
How Child Therapy Works
Treatment is personalized for each child and family. Our work may include:
• Child Centered Play Therapy
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for children and teens
• Trauma informed care
• Parent coaching and collaboration
• Mindfulness and emotional regulation skills
• SPACE for anxiety and OCD
You will receive practical tools and guidance so progress continues between sessions.
Signs Your Child May Benefit from Therapy
• Frequent worry or reassurance seeking
• Difficulty with school or transitions
• Trouble sleeping alone
• Social anxiety or isolation
• Emotional meltdowns
• Avoidance of activities
• Increased irritability or withdrawal
Early support can create lasting change and prevent challenges from becoming more severe.
Why Families in Matthews Choose This Approach
• Warm, relational, and trauma informed care
• Evidence based treatment for anxiety and emotional challenges
• Active parent support and coaching
• Integrative and whole person perspective
• Convenient Matthews location
• Virtual and in person options
• Collaboration with pediatricians and schools
Jessy Fenyves, LCMHCA, brings over 15 years of experience supporting children, adolescents, and families. She works closely with parents to create meaningful change that extends beyond therapy sessions.
Frequently Asked Questions About Child Therapy
How do I know if my child needs therapy?
If your child’s emotional or behavioral challenges are interfering with school, friendships, sleep, or family life, therapy can help. Early intervention often leads to faster and more lasting improvement.
Do parents participate in therapy?
Yes. Parent involvement is a core part of our approach. You will receive guidance and practical strategies so your child’s progress continues at home.
What if my child refuses therapy?
This is common. Parent based approaches such as SPACE can help even if your child is hesitant or unwilling to attend.
How long does therapy usually take?
This varies based on your child’s needs. Some families notice improvement within a few months, while others benefit from longer support.
Do you offer virtual sessions?
Yes. We provide both virtual and in-person therapy for families in Matthews and surrounding areas.
When to Seek Help
If anxiety, emotional struggles, or behavioral challenges are affecting your child’s daily life, it is often a sign that additional support could make a meaningful difference. Many parents wait months or even years before reaching out. Early support can help your child regain confidence and reduce long term stress for the entire family.
Now Accepting New Child and Adolescent Clients
Jessy is currently welcoming new clients ages 5 through 18.
In-person sessions are available on Saturdays at our Matthews office.
Virtual therapy is available on weekday afternoons and evenings across North Carolina.
Take the First Step Toward a Calmer, More Confident Family
Reaching out for support can feel like a big step. Many parents feel relief after the first conversation and a renewed sense of hope for their child.
Schedule a free 15-minute parent consultation to share your concerns, ask questions, and explore the best next step for your family.
You will speak directly with Jessy, who will take time to understand what your child is going through and help you decide whether this approach feels like the right fit.
Call 704 286 9927 to speak with us today.
Email jessy@akeenmind.com for a quick and confidential response.
Or schedule your free parent consultation online below.
Book a Free 15-Minute Parent Consultation
Find out whether this is the right next step for your child and family.
Don’t Let Stress Go Unnoticed – Take the Next Step Today
Your child’s emotional well-being matters. Reach out now to schedule a free consultation and explore how therapy can help your child feel more confident, connected, and resilient.